Whoever had the opportunity to check out The Artist Project will agree with me when I say, this place was cool as SH*T. Honestly for a minute I considered taking a seat and claiming my spot on the ground, I didn't see myself leaving. Everywhere I looked, something new caught my eye... with almost an overwhelming amount of art, even feeling perma wasn't getting me out.

Usually when I go to art events, they give off such a pretentious feel. Gallery owners and dealers attempting to showcase pieces that aren't even their own. Not that it's ever a bad time, but theres nothing like seeing the correlation between the artist and his art... which is what exactly what the Artist Project did.

Much like Rob Croxford,

A visual artist I had the opportunity to get to know a little better at the event. My eyes were first caught by the unique and playful twist of his work.

I was drawn over to Rob's booth and began to inspect the political edge and vintage scrabble pieces he uses in his art. I then got a glimpse of Rob. His quirky smile shined through the crowd much like his work. I immediately gained a better understanding of his pieces.. followed by questions of his inspirations and collections you'll definitely want to check out his bio.

"THE MALE GAZE"

used to describe when an audience is put into the perspective of a (heterosexual) man. Female characters are sexualized, and the camera may zero in on female body parts considered sexual.

Alright, well this was probably one of the coolest guys I had the opportunity to meet. There was something about the historical aspect in his art that drew me over to the booth. More importantly it was Marco's witty personality and depth that made me stay.

Bertuzzo's art was far more than what met the eye... I was over thrown by his collection // Pravus Papilio. What seemed to be beautiful origami of bulls and butterflies, had a lot less to do about beauty and more about 'the male gaze'.

Better explained by Marco, he says "the project came from a lot of readings about post-modern art criticism. The concept of "the male gaze", the implied gaze of the male-centric artist, viewer, and culture upon the subject, was used often and to me, very vaguely"

MARCO BERTUZZO

"I became interested in the art of critiquing the act of looking, how coldly, assumptive and matter of fact, these academic papers dealt with something so intricate as sexuality"

To me these imaginary critics took the form of turn to the century biologists, who, by sterilizing, labelling and divorcing their subjects from a natural context, believed they had a true understanding of nature"

To parody this, I did precisely what one of those biologists would do. Taking sexuality, stripping it of anything sexual, by folding and obscuring and then pinning down and labelling it to allow a "critical" analysis of it.

And then Marco told me they were all made from PORN MAGAZINES... if thats not cool as shit, I don't know what is. How his brain even connected these ideas together blows me away.

Check out more of his work HERE // big thanks to Marco for all the assistance on this piece and the specially folded butterflies for Double Tee's.

Rob Niezen // visual artist

"How does this relate to fashion?"

"Well, It doesn't... but when I find something I like in relation to Toronto, I keep it..... I don't really like it here."

Tara Sameshima

I only had a few minutes to speak to Tara... stood by her art for almost twenty. I'm not sure what it was that drew me in. Maybe the rawness of the world and the art within it...

The best thing about art is not needing words for it to be beautiful.

Robert MacNeil and I had never met before this event, while having previous engagements, it's because of this man, I even had the pleasure of coming to the project. When I saw his booth it felt like we had already known each other, finally being able to see Rob's characteristics and actions gave me a whole new perspective of his art. Just speaking to Rob you can sense a background filled with creativity. Behind us you can see the photography of the same flower through many different aspects.

Andrew Duff is one of the most unique artists I have met. So willing to share his thoughts and inspirations. I was truly intrigued by the art of his robots.... he of course was still more passionate about drawing them and I wondered why?

When Duff began drawing robots, they came out very angry. He realized it was himself and his emotions at the time that were reflecting on his work. Andrew draws his robots with dents and scars to embody the troubles we go through in life while still having determination.

I actually had a great time hanging out with Shawn Skier. It was funny.. when I went to take pictures with certain artists, they were kind of surprised that I wanted one with them and not their art...Shawn was different. He was more than excited to get in front of the camera and share his achievements with me. After talking about Double Tee's he told me he had created a collection of his own apparel line using art, sending me links and showing me pictures. I love how his enthusiastic personality shines throughout his art, ironically with a meditative feel... I only hope to see and share more of his work in the future

I had an amazing time at this event thanks to Robert MacNeil. I can't begin to explain my gratitude for all the assistance and recognition I have received from artists, photographers and friends throughout Toronto. While connections stand I can't wait to move forward with creative minds, just like that one's I met at The Artist Project.